Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 369 The sound of footsteps from the living room broke the moment. Startled, Valeria quickly rose to her feet, cleared her throat, and glanced at Selena , who was just a few feet away. Sebastian rose from the chair too. Their clothes were perfectly in place, but after being caught, both their faces flushed. Valeria didn't know what to say, so she looked at Sebastian. Selena then broke the silence. "My paintbrushes are in the trunk. Ineed them for my project." She looked unfazed , her big eyes blinking as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

Neither Valeria nor Sebastian needed to explain anything. Selena had no idea why the two of them were blushing . She had been sneaking late-night soap operas with Lucy since she was four or five. By now, she had walked in on Valeria and Sebastian more times than she could count. She had actually even thought about slipping out the front door and taking the long way to the parking lot, just to avoid passing through the courtyard. But the car keys were with Sebastian. He pulled them from his pocket and tousled her hair. "Come on.

I'll take you." "Tecan go get them myself." Selena snatched the keys and ---- hurried off. Valeria shot him a glare. "From now on, don't try to mess with me anywhere outside the bedroom." "You're the one who leaned in first." Sebastian tapped the corner of his lips. Who was seducing whom, really? Valeria only gave hima quick glance, her cheeks burning, and that was enough to senda shiver straight down his spine. Selena quickly grabbed her paintbrushes and, on her way back, walked past Valeria and Sebastian. She set the keys down, then thoughtfully closed the balcony door.

Valeria was speechless. Sebastian rubbed his nose and said, "Lenny really is thoughtful." Valeria ignored him and pushed the door open, heading into the living room. That night, she got a call from Martha. Her concern warmed Valeria's heart, but it also made her feel guilty. Martha explained that there would be a family dinner the following evening , and everyone would be there. She hoped Valeria and Sebastian could join them. Her voice carried a quiet sense of expectation. Valeria agreed. ---- The next day at noon, she and Sebastian drove back to Slate City. She left Selena with Margaret.

She didn't hide anything from Margaret and told her she was going to meet Sebastian's parents. Margaret's garden was full of homegrown vegetables. As soon as she heard, she leaned on her cane and quickly filled two large bags. Then she said, "All fresh, homegrown, and no chemicals. Bring them to your in-laws." Valeria watched Margaret move quickly despite her age, her silver hair shining as she happily tried to give Valeria the very best of what she had. "Thanks, Granny. My parents will love it," Sebastian said, carrying the bags out and loading them into the trunk.

As the car pulled onto the road, he told Valeria that Gabriella and Lucas were also attending the family dinner. Valeria already knew about their engagement. It wasn't a secret, as the news had been everywhere online, even trending for a while. She nodded and said, "We're in this together."